Backup Camera on a Sundancer 380

B

Bloody Mary

New Member
Oct 10, 2011
24
Orange Beach, AL
Boat Info
2000 Sundancer 380, Horizon 454 7.4 V-drive, Raymarine E7D GPS
Engines
Mercruiser Horizon 454 MPI
Has anyone installed a backup Camera? I would like to install a camera to be able to see full width of swim platform when backing into slip. I will either use a Raymarine E series GPS for display or install 7" delicated display.
 
Really? I would be very surprised to hear if anyone has done that. Not being critical, but if I were to install a camera on a 380, it would be in the engine room. Let us know how this goes. Good luck.

Don
 
This would be a much cheaper solution:

Stand up, turn around facing the stern so you can see both corners, and back into your slip by shifting gears with your left hand.
 
fwebster said:
This would be a much cheaper solution:

Stand up, turn around facing the stern so you can see both corners, and back into your slip by shifting gears with your left hand.
Click to expand...

That's what I was really thinking....or tell that guy on the back seat, "tell me if I get close".
 
I hate to admit this, but I had the Raytheon back up cam installed. I don't use it. My advice is skip it.

I had a SEa Tow friend on my boat and showed it to him. For towing, it it would be a great tool and they are going to install one.
 
When backing I am usually seated on the bench seat next to my helm chair looking stern...
 
I've had my 380 for a couple of years now and have never been in any docking situation where I thought a back up camera would have made a difference. I could see putting one on a sedan bridge but not a Sundancer. If you've only had the boat for a little while, I would use the boat for a full season and then decide if a back up camera was necessary. I think you could spend that money on something else that you really need like updated electronics, a new Vitrifrigo refrigerator, beer meister, etc....... Just my 2 cents.
 
Let me offer a different solution, but it only works in your home slip. I painted a black rectangle about 3" x 6" on the dock next to my slip. (Actually, it's on the opposite side of my finger pier, next to the next door slip.) When I'm backing I can't see any of my stern, so that black rectangle becomes my gauge as to how far I'm back in the slip. When the rectangle is lined up with my helm, I'm all the way back, with a foot or so to spare.
 
Bloody Mary said:
Has anyone installed a backup Camera? I would like to install a camera to be able to see full width of swim platform when backing into slip. I will either use a Raymarine E series GPS for display or install 7" delicated display.
Click to expand...

I assume that this is new to you boat and your question is simply due to lack of experience with this boat. If my assumption is correct, then don't jump into conclusions. The stern view you get with sundancers can't be beat, unless you're on bridge boat with helm moved aft (e.g. 480/500/520/560/580 DBs). After practicing docking 5-10 times, you'll realize that you really don't need a camera. Nothing beats a real eye view.

My helm is moved forward. When I look back through the steps on the port side, all I get is 2'x2' opening, which allows me to see small part platform. That's all I get. At first, one would thing that there's a need for at least couple of cameras. But, all it takes is just few practices and you'll get to feel her.

Marking your slip is a good idea for starters. But, don't make this into a bad habit, b/c there are no marks in transient slips. So, if you plan on cruising to other destinations and stay in transient marinas, knwing how to dock properly in any slip is a must.
 
After a season you will know by intuition just how large your boat is. The first several intuitions will be by touch! DAMHIK!!

Plus 1 to FWebsters solution. I'm no docking wizard by any means. But look at the battle wagon drivers from Montauk to Miami. They all come in with their bodies facing the stern.
 
Is the concern about touching the pier or the finger piers? When I bought the 270Sundancer the guys at my club told me to alway hook up spring lines. So I do. I can take the 400EC out and put it back into the slip by myself. As soon as I get the stern in I get out of the cockpit and grab the springs lines. Jump back in put the boat in reverse and the lines hold me in place while I get the stern and bow lines. I have never had a problem doing it this way. Not saying it's right but it has always helped.
just a thought and idea.
 
I always go stern in to my dock. On my 360 Damcer, I would shift with my right hand, while looking over my left shoulder.

This EC has the dual shifter/throttle, and the view aft is somewhat obstructed, so I figured the back up cam would be easier..it was a bad idea.

I therefore standup, grab the shifters with my left hand, and bring in her in. it took a little practice to learn to shift and maneuver with the opposite hand, but it was fun learning a new trick.

Now if I can just get the Admiral to learn how to take the boat out of gear if I fall over from a heart attack at planing speed, we will really be ahead of the curve.
 
Looking at a small screen on the dash vs the real thing is no comparison. The field of view is too small, the screen is too small, the resolution is not good. I have a back up camera on my truck and the only time I use it is when hitching up the trailer. There's just no substitute for looking over your shoulder.
 
I would never use a camera to dock a 40' sundancer... but let me offer another perspective on the aft camera. My slipmake owns a 55' sundancer and has a rear view camera on his boat. He doesn't use it for docking, but does use it to see what is going on behind the boat when he is docked in the slip. He has black canvas with no glass in the panels. I did notice that he 'peaks' at the screen when docking but then his view of the stern isn't as good as it is in a smaller 40' or less boat.
 
A few years back I installed a couple of Garmin color I.R. cameras that linked into my two Raymarine "E" screens. The one in the engine room I use regularly and it gives a B&W image in complete darkness of the E.R. while underway. Good for keeping an eye on sudden leaks, steam, etc. Well worth it. The other camera was installed under the hardtop for back up purposes. I never use it; don't waste your money, put it in the engine room.

Just my 2 cents.

James
 
Wow, you guys are harsh. It's his money, let him spend it the way he wants.

I can see the perceived benefit on the older Sea Rays where the swim platform is narrower than the beam.

Although, a good point was made that the viewing angle might not help much as you will probably be able to see the corners of the swim platform but not sure about the corners of the transom.

My $0.02 is if you want it and think it might be of benefit to you... then get it.
 
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